The CAT ferry. Y95 Photo.
Excitement over the return of the CAT ferry is being felt in our region.
The tourism association Yarmouth and Acadian Shores were thrilled to hear the Bay Ferries vessel is scheduled to resume sailing to Maine on May 19th.
Executive Director Neil MacKenzie says it’s been a hard three years without service.
“We definitely see a huge drop in room nights and revenue and occupancy rates. Our accommodations providers and tourism related businesses really suffer,” says MacKenzie.
He says when the CAT is running, it brings export dollars to our area and the province, as on average visitors will stay for about a week.
MacKenzie says a lot of room nights are sold as well, and with the work that YASTA has done in promoting tourism, Yarmouth is no longer seen as just an entry point into Canada.
The vessel hasn’t sailed for three years due to COVID restrictions and upgrades to the terminal in Bar Harbor, Maine.
